Ada Reporter

When: Thursday, July 6, 2023, 1:30PM-2:30PM 
Where: Meridian Fire Station Five, (6001 N Linder Rd. Meridian, ID 83646) 
Who: Mayor Robert Simison, Meridian Fire Chief Kris Blume, and other Meridian Fire Department personnel.
 
Members of the community are invited to participate in the Push-In Ceremony for Meridian’s newest ladder fire truck: Truck-35. 
Meridian’s new truck is what’s known as a Quint Fire Truck. Unique to the fleet, this apparatus combines the equipment capabilities of a ladder truck and the water-pumping ability of a fire engine. It is named a “Quint” because of its five components: water pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device/ ladder, and ground ladders. The official Push-In Ceremony for Truck 35 is being held at its new home: Meridian Fire Station #5 on July 6, 2023 from 1:30pm to 2:30pm after which the station will be open to the public.
 
The tradition of a fire apparatus push-in ceremony dates back to the late 1800's, when fire departments used horses to pull steamer engines to a fire. After fighting the fire, crews would wash and ready the horses and the engines in preparation for the next call.  Because it is very difficult for horses to walk backwards with a load attached to them, firefighters would manually push the apparatus back into the station's bay. Meridian Fire has honored this tradition each time a new apparatus has been brought into service. 
 
“This additional ladder truck represents yet another significant investment the City of Meridian has made, demonstrating its commitment to making the necessary investment in public safety for the benefit of the community and its firefighters,” said Fire Chief Kris Blume. “This ladder truck will ensure Meridian is a safer community for its residents and visitors.”
 
Members of the community are invited to participate in the ceremony and help “push” Truck-35 into Meridian’s fleet as Ada County Dispatch officially brings the truck into service. This event will also be livestreamed on the Meridian Fire Department Facebook page. Parking at Fire Station Five (5) is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Overflow parking is available across the street. Mayor Simison and Chief Blume will be available for interviews once the ceremony is complete. Media interested in attending are asked to coordinate with the Public Information Officer Kelsey Winnett. 

Original source can be found here.